Who is responsible for locking or tagging out machines during maintenance?

The responsibility for locking or tagging out machines during maintenance primarily falls on an authorized employee. This individual has received training and authorization to perform lockout/tagout procedures, which are critical for ensuring that machines are properly shut down and cannot be started up again until the maintenance work is completed. This process is essential for protecting workers from unexpected energization, start-up, or release of stored energy while maintenance or servicing activities are taking place.

The role of the authorized employee is not just to follow a protocol but also to understand the specific hazards associated with the equipment they are working on. They must ensure that energy sources have been effectively controlled and communicate with other employees regarding the lockout/tagout status, thereby maintaining a safe work environment for everyone involved in or around the maintenance process.